Best Thrift Store (2013)

L.A. has spectacular thrift stores, but National Council of Jewish Women Thrift Store in Studio City stands above the others because of the high level of fine art that washes down to Ventura Boulevard from the elite canyon enclaves above. On a recent foray, we counted 100-plus pieces, the majority of them originals and seemingly carefully selected (even, dare we say, curated). The ladies behind the counter sometimes ask not-thrifty prices that are as high as $450, but many of these pieces are signed, sometimes by listed artists. You won't see a painting you like every time, but if you enjoy the hunt, you'll eventually score a fine piece for $25 or $40 — and we don't mean one that matches the sofa. Don't miss the Best of the Best sales, held roughly quarterly, of items that the ladies squirrel away in the back. 12203 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 91604. (818) 505-1924, councilthrift.com/locations. —Norm Jenssen